Acrimonious, belligerent, contentious, divided, enraged, furious, galled, hateful, impassioned, jaded, know-it-alls, lacerated, malcontents, naysayers, oppositional, provocateurs, quarrelsome, rigid, severe, thorny, unyielding, vexing, wearisome, xenophobic, yapping, zelotic _________________________.

I started this diatribe with adjectives to describe our current politicians and quickly realized this list could just as easily characterize the church. GASP!

As we are in the midst of this national political estrangement, perhaps those of us who are believers should examine our attitudes, our Pharisaical ways, and our submission to the Holy Spirit, as we stand with arms crossed and brows furrowed, refusing to join hands and "break bread" with other believers. Much to the consternation of many, the Church is not the same as our nation.  Once again I plead with my sisters and brothers on both sides of the political spectrum to remember our origin and home. Remember the Christ who has brought us together.

Ambassadors, believing, compassionate, devoted, empathetic, forgiving, grace-full, hospitable, illuminated, joyful, kind, loving, mediators, neighborly, obedient, peace-acting, quotable, reliable, serving, transformed, united, veritable, willing, xenagogues, Yule-celebrators, zesty____________________________.

Which list best describes you? me? us?

On Sunday our sister Val will be sharing her difficult journey through brokenness to the healing and hope found in the "Bread and Cup," the life of Jesus. Her title is "Moving Mountains and Dodging Lightning Bolts." Scriptures for the morning are Psalm 37:1-9, II Timothy 1:1-14, Ecclesiastes 3:9-15. We will be joining people around the world breaking bread, pan, ksra, chapatti, naan, brot, as we share in communion on this day designated for the global community of faith reminding us of God's limitless, boundless, incredible love.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uQCyxBL2O8 Communion scene from the movie, "Places in the Heart"

We'll have singing from 9-9:15 a.m. in the Rec room.  Brother John will teach the combined young adult and senior high class in the Upper Room following our time of joyful noise. :) The worship service will begin at 10:15 a.m. Fellowship time can continue following the service for our annual pig roast. Mmmmm, mmmmm, good!

Prayer for today: Do not worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they will soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Psalm 37:1-3a Loving God, help us to put our trust in you.  Gentle God, open our hearts and eyes to see ALL your people and know that your ways are not our ways, and we are called to be transformed to Your likeness. Many times our lives are messy and difficult, yet You do not give up on us. Help us not to give up on each other.  Come Kingdom of God. Be done will of God, here on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus name. AMEN. 

Without question or doubt, you are loved by God, and I love you too!

Love and Light,
Carol

(PS For a closer look at the photos, click on them!) 

http://www.ridgeviewmennonite.net/

"Always remember who you are, whose you are, where you are going, and what you believe, because it does make a difference! Oh, and don't forget to attend a church of your choice this weekend." jd